With just over a week until the Northern Territory is due to lose its vital shortwave radio service, Indigenous Affairs Minister and Country Liberal Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion made his first, limp protest.

News today that ethnic community groups around the nation have mobilised in opposition to the Turnbull government’s attack on protections against racial hate speech should surprise no-one – except perhaps Mr Turnbull himself.

Christian Porter’s late confession that he knew far more about the Bell Group saga than originally disclosed – delivered just days before Christmas – raises serious questions about the depth of his involvement in this sordid affair.